The Aurora Reservoir

Transcription

The Aurora Reservoir
Parks and Water Master Plan –
An Amendment to include Southeast Aurora
Maintenance Facility (SEAM) Master Plan
March 2012
AURORA RESERVOIR PARKS AND WATER MASTER PLAN
Table of Contents
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INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1
PARKS/OPEN SPACE MASTER PLANNING .............................................................. 3
WATER MASTER PLANNING ...................................................................................... 4
EXISTING CONDITIONS.............................................................................................. 5
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ....................................................................... 7
THE MASTER PLAN.................................................................................................... 10
DESIGN CRITERIA ..................................................................................................... 18
Figures
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Overall Master Plan
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3
4
5
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8
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13
14
15
16
17
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Master Utility Plan
Improvements Table
ARWPF Conceptual Site Plan
ARWPF Architectural Concepts
Entry Station Site Plan
Entry Station Architectural Concepts
Communications Control Center
Phasing and Traffic Access Diagram
Phasing and Traffic Impact Table
Street Sections
Overall Drainage Plan
Open Space/Landscape/Revegitation Zones
Special Guidelines for Marina Buildings
Overall Signage Plan
Conceptual Signage Design – Sheet 1
Conceptual Signage Design – Sheet 2
Land Acquisition Map
Staff
Parks and Open Space Department
Jack Cooper – Director
Pat Schuler – Manager Open Space/Natural Res.
Aurora Water
Dan Mikesell – Acting Director
Tom Ries – Deputy Director of Operations
2008 Master Plan Consulting Team
CH2M HILL
Lintjer + Haywood Architects
INTRODUCTION
The Aurora Reservoir was constructed in the late 1980s as a terminal raw water storage
reservoir for the City of Aurora. Park and open space uses were allowed within the
reservoir and the surrounding properties but were and remain limited to those that will
not negatively impact the water quality within the reservoir or uses that will not interfere
with the City’s ability to deliver drinking water to its residents. The reservoir was integrated
into Aurora’s drinking water delivery system and was opened to public use in 1991.
Aurora Reservoir represents a critical element both within the parks and open space and
Aurora drinking water storage, treatment, and delivery systems. Its importance to the City
and its citizens cannot be overstated. Aurora Reservoir and the areas surrounding it are
the largest park site within the City. The reservoir is also the most visible physical
representation of Aurora’s drinking water system and as such must visually represent the
best of Aurora. The proposed master plan is included as Figure 1.
In general terms, all facilities and functions associated with the storage, purification and
delivery of drinking water are managed by Aurora Water. All facilities and functions
associated with the use, development or management of the site for parks, open space,
environmental education, and recreational uses are handled by the City’s Parks and
Open Space Department. Management of the multiple beneficial uses of the resources
included within this property is achieved through ongoing communication and
coordination between these two departments. Both departments have responded to
the City’s growth to improve the quality of life for its residents.
The Aurora Reservoir Parks and Utilities Master Plan, now known as the Aurora Reservoir
Parks and Water Master Plan, was first approved by the City Council in August 2005. It
was prepared jointly by Aurora Water and the Parks and Open Space department to
respond to drought-related water needs and the expansion of the drinking water
delivery system while concurrently addressing the impacts that such related City
infrastructure improvements as well as surrounding development would have on the
long-term use of the Aurora Reservoir and its park and open space facilities. The purpose
of the master plan was to evaluate the 3,100 acres (+ the 90-acre maintenance facility
addendum) that comprised the Aurora Reservoir at that time and to plan for the site’s
future use and development. City Council’s approval of the plan recognized it as a
dynamic planning document that would warrant revisions as circumstances, needs, and
priorities changed over time.
The 2008 amended master plan is the result of re-examining how the Aurora Reservoir site
should continue to serve its principal City functions in light of changes that have taken
place since 2005. The plan now accurately reflects new property acquisitions, new
buildings, and changes to the location of other components of the Aurora Water
facilities, such as potable water storage tanks, pumping stations, and piping and storm
water diversion systems, as shown in the previous plan. The Binney Water Purification
Facility (BWPF) remains the centerpiece of the master planning effort, allowing Aurora
Water to update its water system and more efficiently manage and protect the water
resource at the reservoir. The parks and open space component of the 2008 amended
master plan has been subsequently adjusted to respond to Aurora Water’s site
requirements while still retaining key programmatic elements that will accommodate
public recreation opportunities, complement the site, and achieve multiple use
objectives for the land.
This 2012 amended master plan is the result of a collaborative effort to establish a
preliminary framework for the long-term development of a maintenance facility in order
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to support the on-going operations and efficiency of the City. This project will be funded
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through a grant from the U.S.
Department of Energy as part of Aurora’s allocation under the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant. This effort was between Aurora Water, the Parks and Open
Space Department, Animal Care, Internal Services, and Public Works Departments to
develop a site master plan for the 38.07-acre site (with an additional 40-acre expansion
area north of the original 38.07-acres) located on the northeast corner of East Quincy
Avenue and South Powhaton Road. The collection of departments and associated
buildings and infrastructure upon this parcel is intended to accommodate space for
employees while they work at a desk, in the shop, or drive a truck as well as when they
take a break for lunch or sit in a meeting. The design of the site also needs to
accommodate interaction with personal, business and Aurora resident visitors.
All structures, including buildings, drinking water storage tanks, walls, or roadways are to
be designed with respect for and compatibility with the broad horizontal character of
the high plains. Structures and the related landscapes will reflect the color and character
of the prairie. The only exception to this design focus will be the irrigated turf areas that
support active park uses. In those areas, landscape transitions will be incorporated to
blend the edges of the limited irrigated turf areas back into the native prairie. Design
compatibility and coordinated architecture will give the site a holistic appearance. A
driving theme throughout the project shall be the value of water, water quality, and
water conservation.
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PARKS/OPEN SPACE MASTER PLANNING
The Aurora Reservoir was the subject of an initial parks and open space master planning
effort in the mid-1990s. The Parks and Open Space Department initiated discussions to
put in place a master plan for the site to guide the development of the park and open
space facilities, direct future acquisitions and transition to residential developments
adjacent to the reservoir. The master plan was delivered to City Council but was never
adopted due to the rapidly changing development climate in the area, land
speculation, competing private land zoning initiatives and uncertainty expressed by
adjacent property owners. The City Council decided to postpone the completion of the
plan although many of its recommendations have guided site use, development, and
management decisions. Perhaps the foremost recommendation implemented from the
plan has been the finalized location of the BWPF.
Vision
A vision statement for the park and open space portions of the site was included as part
of the 1996 master plan document. This vision is still valid today for current planning
purposes:

Recognize the Aurora Reservoir as an incredibly unique amenity to be protected as a
drinking water source and recreational opportunity for the community of Aurora and
others. Preserve and celebrate the current pastoral and serene high plains
experience. Over time, as the metropolitan area expands, the Aurora Reservoir Park
will serve as a massive statement of open space that will provide both visual and
physical relief to the urban character of the metropolitan area.
Goals:
1. Protect the watershed and water quality of the reservoir.
2. Provide recreational uses which are compatible with the water supply infrastructure.
3. Maintain the existing sense of place.
4. Maximize the recreational opportunities while not exceeding the carrying capacity of
the site or conflicting with the vision statement.
5. Preserve and enhance the existing native flora and fauna.
6. Provide a safe, quality, family oriented environment.
7. Enhance the educational opportunities associated with the natural and water
resource.
8. Through the use of carefully planned linkages, tie the Aurora Reservoir park into the
large regional open space and trail system.
9. Optimize enhancement opportunities at the reservoir by working with private
landowners/developers, non-profit organizations, schools, and other public entities
while respecting the vision statement and goals for the park.
10. Acquire additional lands immediately adjacent to the Aurora Reservoir park to the
east and south to help provide additional buffer for the reservoir.
11. Integrate the Aurora Reservoir park development with adjacent private land uses.
See specific Vision and Goals for the maintenance facility site in the Project Purpose,
Vision and Project Methodology Section of the Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility
(SEAM) Document.
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WATER MASTER PLANNING
This 2008 amended master plan is consistent with the City of Aurora 2003 Comprehensive
Plan and its subsequent amendments. Chapter IV, Section G, of the Comprehensive Plan
describes Aurora’s plans to develop and protect water and other natural resources. Key
elements and strategies that are incorporated into this master plan include:
Water Supply – Continue to rely on renewable surface water sources to meet current
and future needs:

The Aurora Reservoir has served as a cornerstone of the City’s water supply system
since its construction. In addition to providing over 30,000 acre-feet of storage within
the reservoir, two potable water tank and pump station have been constructed to
deliver water to the City’s customers in the rapidly growing eastern areas of Aurora. In
addition to these existing facilities, the City’s Comprehensive Plan identified the need
to create a “water campus” at the Reservoir. The role of the water campus is to serve
as the hub for purification and distribution of the City’s finished water supply, including
pump stations and water storage tanks to deliver water to the City’s various pressure
zones and potentially a new water storage reservoir (East Reservoir) adjacent to or in
close proximity to the existing reservoir. The BWPF will provide for treatment of the
City’s Prairie Waters Project and the supply from Aurora Reservoir. This strategy is
consistent with the City’s goal to rely on renewable water sources to meet its
customer’s demands for a safe and adequate water supply both now and in the
future.
Multiple Beneficial Uses – Reservoirs, streams and stormwater ponds are managed to
provide multiple beneficial uses:

Short and long term planning for the Aurora Reservoir will ensure the joint beneficial
use of this property by the City for water supply and recreation. Water purification
and delivery facilities have been constructed in areas that are compatible with the
values and character of the park setting.
Protect Water Quality – Water quality is protected in the City’s watersheds and especially
in the watershed of the Aurora Reservoir:

Water quality at Aurora Reservoir is protected by in-lake aeration and selective
withdrawal/filling operations as well as through operation of stormwater diversion
facilities. Stormwater from adjoining residential developments “bypasses” the reservoir
or is “detained” and beneficially used for landscape irrigation or creation and
maintenance of riparian systems in the Senac Creek basin.
Protect Natural Features – Valuable natural features are protected and Aurora sets an
example for environmental management:

Development of landscape and architectural concepts and siting of all facilities
identified in this master plan are intended to protect the natural features of the park.
Structures are designed to blend into the prairie landscape and are consistent with
the City’s water conservation goals.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
Site Description
The City now owns over 3,296 acres of land generally located east of Harvest Road and
south of the Hampden Avenue alignment extended. Approximately 625 acres are
located north of Quincy Avenue, (with 88.07 acres of this are is reserved for the Southeast
Maintenance Facility). All of this contiguous City-owned land is collectively referred to
as the Aurora Reservoir site.
The Aurora Reservoir is located within the high plains of Colorado, traditionally a short to
mid grass prairie community. The majority of the site sits within the Senac Creek drainage.
Senac Creek is a small ephemeral stream in its natural condition. The high point of the
site is at the southern end of the property. There is a natural ridge along the eastern
property line and on the west side of the reservoir between the reservoir and the
proposed community park. The reservoir dam creates an artificial ridge between the
reservoir and proposed uses to the north.
See specific existing conditions/site description for the Maintenance Facility site under
Section 1.
Adjacent Land Uses
Existing and proposed adjacent land uses include:

The new Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, the Arapahoe Park Race Track, and the
proposed Cherry Creek School District campus are located between the community
park area and Quincy Avenue, west of the park access road and northwest of the
reservoir.

Other lands that abut the western edge of the site include a 39-acre private parcel
and the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site landfill, both of which are north of Quincy
Avenue.

There is an 8.5-acre inholding north of Quincy Avenue and ½ mile east of Powhaton
Rd. Plans for the future use of this small parcel are unknown.

A youth detention facility operated by the state Department of Human Services lies
adjacent to the northern perimeter.

Lands east of the reservoir are owned by the Colorado State Land Board. The state
land is presently leased for mineral extraction. Future uses for this land include
potential development and conservation parcels.

Private property south of the reservoir is presently being developed for the residential
communities of Wheatlands, Beacon Point, and Southshore.
Access
Access to the Aurora Reservoir is from Quincy Avenue at a private road, which allows
entry to the Arapahoe Park Race Track and the Aurora Reservoir. No other uses are
presently located along this access road. A secondary access point for the exclusive use
of the water facilities off of Quincy Avenue, called S. Robertsdale Way has been
constructed to provide safe and secure entry the BWPF. There are currently no built
access roads for the lands north of Quincy Avenue.
Existing Improvements
Park improvements include: existing marina buildings, including a boat ramp, swim
beach, four small group shelters, and two large group shelters at the west side of the
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reservoir, archery range and communications tower at the northeast corner of the
reservoir, an 8½ mile hard surface pedestrian bike path along the perimeter of the
reservoir, and a Parks Maintenance Building northwest of the reservoir. The reservoir
contains an important fishery, with frequent stocking by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
There are no existing improvements on the property north of Quincy Avenue.
Utility Corridors
There are a significant number of utility corridors of all types associated with this property.
Existing and proposed utility corridors are identified on Figure 2.
Property Acquisitions
Since the reservoir’s opening, the City has acquired several properties adjacent to the
reservoir. During construction of the reservoir an 189-acre parcel was acquired north of
the dam to locate a future water plant. In 1984 a large parcel, over 600 acres, was
acquired to the west of the reservoir to expand the park and open space uses within the
area. Buffer areas to the south of the reservoir were acquired and/or traded in 2003 to
protect the water’s edge and buffer the perimeter trail from adjacent residential
development. In 2004, 977 acres were acquired north of the reservoir to expand park
and open space opportunities, preserve the natural stream corridor and provide trail
connections to the regional trail system master planned along the Coal Creek corridor.
In 2006 Aurora Water acquired about 145 acres between the park access road and the
BWPF entry road (S. Robertsdale Way) to be incorporated into the Aurora Reservoir site
for expansion of water delivery and related building uses. In 2009, the 38.07 acre Murphy
Parcel on the northeast corner of Powhaton and East Quincy Avenue was purchased
and set aside for the Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility. See Figure 18: Land
Acquisition Map. Funding sources for these acquisitions dictate, in part, the uses for each
property.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
Opportunities
The visions and goals of both the Parks and Open Space and Water departments can be
achieved within this property. The size of the property allows for a wide variety of facilities
and uses to be adequately and appropriately located and constructed. The City was
farsighted in acquiring parcels of land adjacent to the reservoir, knowing that the water
purification facility and its related infrastructure would be located in this area. The City
again showed strategic thinking in purchasing large adjacent parcels for park and open
space uses allowing the two types of facilities to co-exist on the property.
See specific opportunities and constraints graphic analysis for the maintenance facility
site under Section 1.
Restoration and Enhancement of Senac Creek Riparian Zone
When the reservoir was constructed within the Senac Creek basin it effectively cut off
natural stormwater flows to the creek which effectively limits the creek’s natural ability to
sustain and regenerate riparian systems. With the construction of the stormwater bypass
system and direction of flows from impervious surfaces associated with the BWPF, flows
can be returned to the creek. While those flows will exceed “natural” basin flows had
there been no development, proactive stabilization projects have allowed for restoration
and enhancement of the Senac Creek system in areas north of the dam.
Vehicular and Non-Vehicular Access
The site remains on the edge of the developed portions of the City enabling project
designers associated with this master plan to implement appropriate points of vehicular
ingress and egress for both water facility and park and open space uses. Similarly,
connections to future developments and planned trail systems for pedestrians, bicyclists
and equestrians can be addressed and corridors preserved.
Adjacent Residential Development
This master plan was developed as plans for new residential communities bordering the
park were approved. This allowed the private landowners and residential developers the
opportunity to comment and understand the City’s vision for the reservoir property and
establish new beneficial relationships. It also allowed the City to implement the necessary
requirements to be a good neighbor both visually and physically through design controls
and facility siting. Because this is a drinking water facility, access control to critical
structures and equipment are important measures that were planned for the security of
the site and protection of the water resource.
Constraints
Water Facility Requirements
Many of the facilities within this water campus have strict requirements in terms of the
elevation at which they are located. The ability to take advantage of gravity requires
that certain structures are high enough to allow the water to “flow” toward its ultimate
destination. This limits the available locations for storage tanks and their related pipelines.
The management of a drinking water reservoir requires that water can be added and
withdrawn for both consumptive use and water quality reasons. These management
strategies can cause as much as 8 to 15 feet water level fluctuations throughout the
year. Park and open space uses, such as access to the swim beach or boat ramp can
be significantly impacted by these fluctuations which are caused by use demands on
the potable water system.
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Separation of Park and Open Space Fee and Non-Fee Areas
Access to the reservoir proper and its associated water and land based facilities is
regulated by an entry fee. Access to other park or open space uses within the balance
of the Aurora Reservoir site will not be subjected to a fee. Similarly, access to the BWPF
and other related buildings are outside the “fee area” to allow for delivery and public
access as appropriate. The reservoir entry station and related gates/fencing must be
appropriately placed to maintain fee and non-fee access points.
Ecosystem Restoration and Site Use Considerations
Significant portions of the property in Sections 4 and 9, now known as the Pronghorn
Preserve, were historically utilized for land application of sewage treatment sludge and
now contain extensive stands of weeds. These areas are to be reclaimed as short grass
prairie.
Portions of the Aurora Reservoir site were part of the Lowry Bombing Range. The
mitigation of potential remaining ordnance is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Their management strategies must be considered in all areas where
construction or future public use is proposed. In some areas, investigation of the potential
for and removal of ordnance may be required.
Access
Due to issues related to public safety and plant security, separate access points for park
user access and water infrastructure access is essential. There is similarly a need to
provide for secondary/emergency access to all facilities in accordance with the Aurora
Building and Fire Codes.
The size of this site along with the immediately adjacent Arapahoe County Fairgrounds,
Arapahoe Park Race Track, and Denver/Arapahoe landfill obstructs east-west and northsouth circulation corridors for non-facility related traffic. Quincy Avenue splits the City’s
ownership and creates issues for cross-property vehicular circulation as well as safe trail
crossings needed to connect regional systems.
There is also no current access to the lands north of Quincy Avenue. Based on the
conceptual master planning of the Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility, it is
anticipated that an intersection separated from Powhaton and Robertsdale with proper
spacing will provide access to the northern land uses, specifically the maintenance
facility.
Existing Conditions
The Aurora Reservoir site contains existing infrastructure that will limit some of the
proposed options for site use and development. The existing infrastructure includes large
above ground power line towers, several large utility corridors, a private land inholding,
and some existing structures that are not architecturally compatible with the aesthetic
vision for the site.
Property Acquisition
The initial acquisition for the reservoir was accomplished with Aurora Water funds. The
primary purpose of those acquisitions was for the construction and operation of drinking
water storage and facilities. Park and open space uses are accommodated but are
secondary to the water system uses. The latest expansion of the site through the
purchase of 145 acres by Aurora Water in 2006 was again for the purpose of providing
additional land to accommodate facilities related to the water delivery and purification
systems.
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The 600-acre community park site, Section 17, to the west of the reservoir was acquired
through the National Park Service public benefit transfer program and acquisition
funding from the Conservation Trust Fund. Both of these sources restrict use of this land to
park, open space and recreational uses. The Pronghorn Natural Area, consisting of 977
acres within Sections 4 and 9, was acquired in 2004 using funds from a bond election for
park and open space. Except for an 88.07-acre parcel designated for the Southeast
Aurora Maintenance Facility funded by Aurora Water, the entire parcel is restricted to
park and open space uses by funding source and deed restriction. See Figure 18 for land
acquisition details.
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THE MASTER PLAN
The master plan, showing both Water and Parks and Open Space facilities is included as
Figure 1. A table showing facility phasing is included as Figure 3. Specific design
requirements and guidelines associated with the landscape, facility siting, architectural
standards, parking requirements, screening, stormwater stabilization structures, lighting
and signage are included following the master plan text.
A detailed set of design guidelines for the Maintenance Facility have been included as
an amendment, please see Section 4.
Park and Open Space Plan
Concepts within this plan were brought forward from the 1996 planning effort, revised in
2003, and most recently updated in 2008 through discussions with the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board and the Open Space Board in an effort to recognize new
conditions. At the time of the revisions, the City had not purchased Sections 4 and 9,
creating a need to revise some of the original concepts and add new information. The
following discussion includes the 1996 concepts and 2003 revisions and recognizes all the
new acquisitions.
Development of the park is split into four major areas by the focus of the uses and the
topography:

Reservoir-Related Areas, being those areas immediately adjacent to the reservoir
which accommodate the water-related fee access recreational opportunities as a
regional facility;

Community Park west of the reservoir (over the ridge) which accommodates more
traditional recreational opportunities focused on residents within the area; and

Pronghorn Preserve to the north of the reservoir.

Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility
Activity zones are referred to as primary, secondary or minor depending on the level of
use and type of access. Primary activity zones are designed for and will accommodate
significant numbers of users and are accessed by vehicle and trail corridors. Secondary
activity zones are designed for and will accommodate lesser amounts of users but are
still accessed by both vehicles and trail corridors. Minor activity zones are constructed for
small numbers of users and are only accessible by foot, bike, horse or boat.
Reservoir Related Areas 1. Vehicular access into the reservoir is controlled and fees collected at one point, the
entry gate. Pedestrian/bicycle access is restricted to gates/trails leading from the
residential areas. Non-vehicular access is allowed at several entry points from
developments to the south and west. Connections to regional trail corridors to the
north will be made at the existing perimeter trail system. Non-vehicular related users
are not charged a fee for entry. Other fees may be put in place in the future for use
of special facilities or areas. Fees will continue to be charged for rental of various
types of recreational equipment.
2. The current main activity core will remain as the primary activity zone with expansion
and reorganization of existing facilities to accommodate more users. The swim beach
will be enhanced and a secondary activity zone will be created north and east of
the spillway. The secondary activity zone will have parking for fishing, windsurfing and
boating with beach facilities for windsurfers and sailboats.
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3. An enhanced environmental education/outdoor learning center, the Awqua
Lounge, has been built in the primary activity zone.
4. Boat dry storage and new park maintenance facilities may be relocated in the future
as expansion and increased demand requires.
5. A secondary activity zone is included on the east end of the dam that will
accommodate a small boat ramp, picnic shelters, boat beach, enhanced scuba
beach, and picnic area. The archery range will remain as an activity in this zone.
6. The east and southeast sides of the reservoir are designated as plains and water
conservation areas. These areas will be managed to preserve and enhance the
native plains landscape and wildlife areas associated with the Lone Tree cove.
Seasonal use restrictions may be instituted to allow for wildlife and fish breeding
seasons. Potential acquisition of lands adjacent to the reservoir have been identified
to increase the buffer from future development and to help control storm water
runoff. Future linkages to regional trail systems will also be needed.
7. A minor activity zone is proposed along the southern edge of the reservoir between
Senac and Lone Tree Coves and includes a boat or pedestrian accessed beach
area, trail connections, and a shelter complex at the high point.
8. Along the south and southwest side of the reservoir, a buffer has been acquired that
provides a transition between residential developments to the south and the edge of
the reservoir. The area next to the water will remain native and the existing
circumferential trail remains. The buffer area serves several purposes including
providing for pollutant reduction from storm water runoff from developed areas, a
trail network, a visual separation between an exposed lake edge during reservoir
draw downs, and a physical separation between lake edge open space users and
the adjacent residential developments. The property line between residential or other
private use areas and the City property will continue to be delineated by a
decorative iron fence.
9. The existing paved perimeter trail will remain. In addition, a soft surface trail that also
serves as maintenance access for a sanitary sewer line, the stormwater bypass line,
and pump houses has been constructed in some areas and will be continued as
residential development continues. The trail system offers several “loop” options to
trail users from the residential areas as well as access to the perimeter trail. Equestrian
uses are not allowed within the reservoir basin to protect water quality.
10. Large parking lots are not included in the overall planning for this area. Large events
requiring additional parking will require that participants are shuttled from parking lots
on adjacent parcels.
Community Park West of the Reservoir (over the ridge) –
Proposed facilities are listed for this area, but actual site planning has not occurred. This
master plan will be amended as site planning occurs. Access to this non-fee portion of
the park is from the intersection of Orchard Road and Harvest Mile Road in the southwest
corner of the property. A circuitous park road is planned from that intersection to the
reservoir entry road where access to the reservoir related facilities (fee access area) or
Aurora Water facilities can be accommodated.
1. Within the community park area of the plan, informal open grassed areas for field
games, group picnic areas, a recreation center/pool facility, outdoor amphitheater,
bicycle and equestrian trails are all envisioned.
2. Special events will be staged from this area. The group picnic areas and
amphitheater will be designed to handle groups between 1,000 and 1,500 with
sufficient parking. If a large event (up to 5,000 persons) is desired at the reservoir, this
parking will be used rather than building large lots adjacent to the water. Criteria to
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evaluate the appropriateness of special events for consistency with the vision and
goals will be developed.
3. The community park will be a non-fee access area with connections to Harvest Mile
Road, a planned major arterial. Vehicular access through the community park into
the reservoir will be restricted to provide separation of the fee entry/reservoir portion
of the park from the more traditional park facilities and uses “over the ridge”.
Early construction projects will include construction of a trail from the residential
subdivisions to the west to access the reservoir trail system and fencing to control
unauthorized vehicular access to City property and protect the resource. As more
complete plans are made for the other facilities in this area, the master plan will be
amended following additional opportunities for public input.
Pronghorn Preserve (Sections 4 & 9) –
The uses proposed for Sections 4 and 9 are listed and general locations designated.
Specific site plans have not been completed and this master plan will be amended as
areas are readied for development.
1. South of Quincy Avenue: This area features the riparian areas associated with Senac
Creek. Restoration of areas used in the past for sanitary sewage sludge disposal is a
primary focus in the short term. The long term uses programmed for this area are
preservation and enhancement of the riparian areas and associated wildlife
corridors. Trail connections to regional corridors and internal site systems are included
as is a vehicular entry from Quincy, small parking area and shelter complex on the
northeast corner of Section 9.
Phase 1 construction within this portion of the site includes the placement of fill on
those portions of the site affected by historic sludge disposal. The fill will allow the
restoration of prairie grasses precluded by the chemical make-up of the historic
sludge deposits. The soil needed for this project will be generated by the excavation
of foundations for the ARWPF and other buildings.
Also included in early site development will be an internal trail system to focus
appropriate public use of the area, connecting to existing trail systems around the
reservoir and perimeter fencing to control unauthorized vehicular access and to
protect the resource. Stabilization of the Haynes Gulch channel (a tributary to Senac
Creek) was required with the increased flows from the bypass system. This project is
complete and included capacity for site flows from the ARWPF impervious surfaces.
2. North of Quincy Avenue: This area encompasses the riparian and associated wildlife
corridors that extend through this section along the Senac Creek. This large
landholding allows for incorporation of an athletic field complex (120 to 150 acres)
and pedestrian/bike/equestrian trails. A regional trail connection to the Coal Creek
corridor at the northeast corner of the open space site is critical and will require
coordination with the State Land Board. A multi-function Southeast Aurora
Maintenance Facility is proposed for a set of parcels totaling 88.07 acres on the west
side of Section 4. This site is considered advantageous for such a facility because of
its proximity to E-470 and access onto Quincy Avenue.
A connection to the Coal Creek Regional Trail will be made as that trail is
extended south from new developments happening throughout that corridor.
Eventual connections to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway in the northern part
of the city are planned.
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Development of additional facilities will require new planning efforts. Amendments to this
master plan will continue to be necessary prior to construction of facilities that come
from these planning efforts. See the 2012 Amendment for details regarding the 90-acre
Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility.
Aurora Water Plan
Aurora Water has built many structures within this property that create new and connect
to existing elements within the City of Aurora water purification and delivery system.
Aurora Water facilities included within this plan are:
Binney Water Purification Facility – The primary focus of the August 2005 plan was the
construction of a new water purification facility that processes water from the Prairie
Waters Project, the Aurora Reservoir and potentially a new reservoir (East Reservoir). The
BWPF is being built in three phases and will fully encompass an 80-acre parcel due north
of the existing dam. Primary access to the facility is from Quincy Avenue, at South
Robertsdale Way, located separate from and east of the existing reservoir access road.
Secondary access to the facility is from the existing road to the eastern park and open
space secondary activity zone. Access to the purification facility is restricted by the use
of gates along both roadways. The facility includes a number of above ground large
structures, several underground tanks and vaults, a pre-treatment forebay and four
lagoons used to settle sludge from backwash operations. Please refer to Figure 4 for a site
plan of the purification facility. Architectural concepts are included as Figure 5. Phase 1
for the BWPF is estimated at 175,000 square feet of above ground structures. Parking
needs are estimated at 70 vehicles.
SCADA WAN Radio Tower – A facility providing communication capabilities for Aurora
Water control systems and also supporting the City’s public safety microwave radio
system is located north and east of the dam adjacent to the parks and open space
secondary activity area. The communications facility includes an auxiliary building
(approximately 400 square feet) to house equipment and a freestanding
communications tower (120 feet tall). The tower provides for Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Wide Area Network (WAN) communications. The tower
holds two microwave parabolic dish antennas (6 to 8 feet in diameter) and two single
omni-directional antennas to maximize point-to-point communications between the
BWPF, and other Aurora Water facilities throughout the City of Aurora. The tower is a
triangularly tapered design of formed-plate steel members, anchored on a concrete
pad or pier structure. Additional antennas and dishes will be added to the tower in the
future to meet the needs of Aurora Water and the Public Safety Microwave Radio
System. All reasonable efforts were made to blend the architecture of the building with
the other facilities. Access to the tower and support building is restricted through the use
of fencing and gates. The radio tower location is shown on Figure 1 and conceptual
drawings on Figure 8.
Water Storage Tanks and Pump Houses
Five additional drinking water storage tanks (two 6.5 million gallon tanks and three 10million-gallon tanks) and two additional pump stations have been constructed. Three
storage tanks designed to serve zone 4 areas within the City and the zone 5 pump station
are located northwest of the dam and southwest of the existing Senac Creek Lift Station.
Two storage tanks designed to serve zone 5 areas of the City and the zone 7 pump
station is located directly east of the existing zone 8 pump station. Every effort was made
to bury the drinking water storage tanks, minimize formal landscaping and irrigation, and
restore the native grass around the tanks. The pump stations were designed to match the
other facilities architecturally and were located in areas that are visually unobtrusive. In
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addition, modifications were made to the existing zone 8 pump station, located south
and west of the existing entry station to make it blend with the other structures. The
facility locations are shown on Figure 1.
These facilities, with the exception of the communications tower, are minimally visible
from the community park and residential areas to the south or west of the reservoir. All
facilities are visible from the reservoir entry road and park and natural areas north of the
dam.
Security Considerations
As a drinking water facility, security at the reservoir and facilities that control the overall
system is of primary concern. Park and Open Space Rangers patrol the reservoir and
park whenever they are open to the public. In addition, the entrance to the BWPF is
gated to prevent random public access. All structures that are to be protected will have
internal and perimeter security systems. Fencing may be included as necessary but has
been minimized by locating it at building edge or at access points rather than at site
perimeter. Fencing is secure but was designed to be compatible with the architecture
and stated design goals for the project. Remote pump houses and pipelines have alarm
systems to notify staff of malfunctions or damage.
Site Access and Internal Circulation
A map showing site access and internal circulation is included as Figure 9. A table listing
facilities, phasing and estimated vehicle trips per day is included as Figure 10.
Primary Access Points
Primary access to the site from the north is from Quincy Avenue at a point approximately
two miles east of E-470. (Access Point “A”) The existing roadway serves as the primary
access to the reservoir and to the Arapahoe Park Race Track and was constructed off
the section line as a private road when the reservoir opened. In addition to serving the
reservoir and the racetrack, the master plan shows this access as serving future uses
associated with the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. North of Quincy Avenue, potential
development of abutting property and the City’s proposed Southeast Aurora
Maintenance Facility will also impact this access point. Depending on the type of uses
proposed for the land, this intersection will need to be developed as a public road and a
signalized intersection may be required. Future uses within the State Land Board holdings
east of the reservoir will affect the cross-section of Quincy Avenue and the configuration
of this intersection.
A second primary access point is proposed at the east end of the Pronghorn Preserve
serving the proposed athletic field complex north of Quincy Avenue. (Access Point “C”)
This site will require a signalized intersection and is proposed at a point 600 feet west of
the Quincy Avenue/Monaghan Road intersection. This access point will also provide an
entry to the park/natural area facilities south of Quincy Avenue.
The third primary access will be from Orchard Road and Harvest Mile Road in the
southwest corner of the proposed community park. (Access Point “D) Phasing for
construction of this park is undetermined but it is believed that the proposed uses will
generate sufficient vehicle trips, that when combined with projected traffic loads along
these arterials, will require a signalized intersection. The road entering and moving
through the park will be designed and constructed in a way to discourage traffic from
using it as a way to move from Quincy Avenue to this intersection or in the opposite
direction. It would be undesirable to bring that level of traffic into the park. The road is
intended to serve park uses.
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Current traffic control is adequate for the existing park use and construction operations.
No signalized intersections are required at this time, yet may be required in the future as
traffic loads increase on the adjacent roadways, within the park, and on adjacent
parcels, including the Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility.
Suggested street cross-sections for both Quincy Avenue and Harvest Mile Road are
included as Figure 11.
Secondary Access Point
A secondary access has been constructed to serve as the entry to the BWPF and
Gateway Property, (Access Point “B” or Robertsdale Way. This gated access point will be
restricted to Aurora Water facility traffic. The entry road is located approximately ¼ mile
east of the section line (Powhaton Road alignment). The access serves only property
south of Quincy Avenue and will not be signalized. A deceleration lane is provided for
eastbound traffic entering the BWPF to prevent conflicts with Quincy Avenue traffic.
Trail Access Points
Non-vehicular (pedestrian, bicycle or horse) trail access, not associated with roadways, is
proposed from seven points along the perimeter of the site. Five entrances are
associated with residential developments south of the reservoir. An access located at
East Alexander Drive on the west side of the community park site, Section 17, will allow
residents living west of the reservoir to enter by foot or bike and will coordinate trail
connections with the fairgrounds and racetrack. The seventh trail access point will
provide a connection to the Coal Creek Regional Trail at the northeast corner of Section
4. Coordination with the State Land Board will be required to make that connection.
Horses will be allowed in Sections 4 and 9 and in portions of the community park. Horses
are not allowed within the Aurora Reservoir basin in order to protect water quality. There
are no trail connections for horses to the south of the reservoir.
Stormwater Management/Senac Creek Drainage
The majority of the lands included in this master plan are within the Senac Creek basin.
The overall basin with tributaries stretches south to Smoky Hill Road. The basin flow was
intercepted with the construction of the dam, stopping storm flows along Senac Creek
from reaching areas north of the dam. The only areas that do not flow into Senac Creek
are the western half of Section 17 – the community park site that drains into Murphy
Creek to the west – and the far north and eastern portions of Section 4, including the
majority of the athletic field complex, that flow directly to Coal Creek. Within the Senac
basin, all areas south of the reservoir and east of the ridge directly behind the marina
buildings flow to the reservoir. All areas north of the dam, flow to Senac Creek directly. A
basin map is included as Figure 12.
Stormwater Bypass System
In order to preserve the water quality within the reservoir, a stormwater bypass system,
including a series of detention ponds and piping was constructed to contain and move
drainage associated with a 10-year/24 hour storm around the reservoir to a point where it
outfalls to Haynes Gulch immediately east of the Senac Creek Lift Station. Flows greater
than the 10-year/24 hour storm level would spill into the reservoir and are contained
there unless the reservoir exceeds maximum pool, in which case the flows would overtop
the spillway and flow down Haynes Gulch into Senac Creek. The bypass pipe ranges
from 30 to 48 inches in size. To minimize loads on the bypass pipeline, the residential
developments will be utilizing the majority of the everyday runoff to irrigate landscaping
within the subdivisions.
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Stormwater Management
Haynes Gulch and Senac Creek
 The bypass pipeline was extended to carry the flows to a point north of the entry into
the BWPF, approximately 7/8 mile north of its present outfall. This was done to
eliminate those flows from the tributary, facilitating the two new road crossings. The
channel will remain as presently constructed as required to carry emergency flood
overflow from the reservoir.
 The BWPF and Gateway property sites were designed to minimize stormwater flows
off the site by using best management practices such as pervious paving and
grading to direct flows to landscape areas within parking lots. The site design
elements will be used as demonstration projects for these types of stormwater
management techniques.
 Water quality ponds were incorporated into the site designs for the BWPF, Gateway
property; parks maintenance area and boat dry storage lot.
 A stormwater detention pond was constructed at the northeast corner of the BWPF
property, adjacent to Senac Creek. Stormwater generated by impervious surfaces
associated with the facility will be used to help restore and enhance riparian systems
along Senac Creek that were cut off from natural flows due to dam construction.
 Evaluation of Senac Creek to determine impacts from increased flows from the
bypass system and from impervious surfaces associated with facilities that were
constructed determined the type and extent of stabilization needed to protect the
creek. The intent will be to minimize hardened, structural stabilization techniques in
favor of use of the water to restore the riparian systems. Spreading the water,
creating larger riparian areas, utilizing the opportunities created by the large natural
area were the focus of the stormwater management plan.
 Construction of the proposed City maintenance facility in the southwest corner of
Section 4 will have an impact on Senac Creek north of Quincy Avenue. The
maintenance facility will most likely be 85% impervious surface and will require water
quality and detention ponds. This maintenance facility is fully independent of Aurora
Water facilities in Sections 9, 15, and 16. See Appendix A of the SEAM Amendment
for more specific details regarding the Storm Drainage and Best management
Practices for the approximately 90 acres that makes up the Master Plan for the
Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility (SEAM).
Coal Creek
The majority of the stormwater runoff from the 120 to 150 acre athletic field complex
flows east to Coal Creek. Large parking lots supporting field complexes will generate
storm flows. By using the Aurora Sports Park as a model, it is estimated the site will be
approximately 40% impervious surface. Flows from the site are interrupted by Monaghan
Road which crosses all of the tributaries connecting the City’s site with Coal Creek. The
exact location and extent of facility development is unknown at this time so no
calculation of future stormwater runoff flow rates can be completed. A drainage plan
will be completed at the time of development of the field complex.
Murphy Creek
Approximately one half of the drainage from the community park, Section 17 flows west
to Murphy Creek. The flows are interrupted by Harvest Mile Road. The exact location
and extent of development is unknown at this time so no calculation of future stormwater
runoff flow rates can be completed. A drainage plan will be completed at the time of
development of facilities within this property.
At full development, including all facilities proposed within this document, it is estimated
that approximately 17% composite for entire master plan area of the property owned by
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the City will be covered with impervious surfaces, excluding the acres devoted to the
actual water surface of the reservoir.
Project Funding
The majority of the immediately available funding was from Aurora Water and was
programmed for the construction of water infrastructure elements within the plan. Those
park and open space facilities being relocated specifically to allow for development of
water infrastructure were included in the BWPF funding. Funding for trail systems and
other facilities needed to immediately respond to adjacent residential development will
be requested from City Council in the five year capital facilities plan. Funding for the
Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility (SEAM) has yet to be determined. However when
facilities at SEAM are needed, city staff will develop a list of potential funding sources for
evaluation by City Council.
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DESIGN CRITERIA
Landscape
When we speak of landscape in this master plan we are referring to the landscape as an
overall impression or view of the land as well as installed landscapes associated with
buildings and other structures. The overall landscape is that of a short to mid grass prairie
bisected by a riparian zone associated with Senac Creek. The lands are topographically
varied, with the lowest point at the north end of the property only 290 feet lower than the
high point at the southern end of the site. The horizontal plane is dominant. Landform is
the most important landscape component in the short grass prairie ecotone. Long views
to open rolling ridgelines alternating with channels marked by cottonwoods are
emblematic of the high plains and the drainages are the focus of biological diversity
there. It is important to acknowledge and to demonstrate to the public that open space
holdings are not lands lying fallow in anticipation of future development.
Prior to beginning work, a detailed mapping effort is needed to delineate those areas
impacted by historic sanitary sewage sludge placement, riparian ecosystems, regulated
wetlands, undisturbed short/mid grass prairie, cottonwood trees, and areas with exotic
grass species from former disturbance/reseeding efforts. Landscape zones within the site
are included as Figure 13.
The landscape as part of the Maintenance Facility will meet these standards, for more
specific information regarding Landscape on the Maintenance Facility site, see Section
4, Site Design Guidelines.
Landscape Zones
1. Building Related Landscape Areas
While continuing to blend with the natural color and character of the native prairie,
natural landscapes associated with buildings and their related parking lots should be
consistent with the overall theme of the importance of water, water quality and
conservation. Plant materials may include native plants or horticultural varieties of
native plants. All plants should be able to survive the temperatures and winds
associated with the plains environment and should be drought tolerant. Evergreen
use should be limited.
The plant palette includes:
Trees (in drainages):
Cottonwood
Willow
Shrubs:
Big Sage
Rabbitbrush
New Mexico Privet
Currant
Willow
Three Leaf Sumac
Western Sand Cherry
Red and Yellow Twig Dogwood
Horizontal Juniper
Serviceberry
Snowberry
Potentilla
Native Chokecherry
Rose – native varieties
Elder – native varieties
Yucca
Perennials:
Horticultural varieties of native species such as Yarrow, Eriogonum, Penstemon, Sage,
Primrose, Prairie Coneflower, Aster, Mallow. Exotic or horticultural varieties of grasses
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may be used as accents and enhancements but care must be given that seed from
these species does not travel into the native areas. Special attention must be given
to the noxious weed and weeds of concern lists published by the Colorado Weed
Management Association.
2. Developed Park and Open Space Areas
The areas planned for developed park uses are limited. Intense use of these areas will
dictate the use of irrigated turf grasses. The introduction of the ”green” carpet within
native prairie requires sensitivity and use of transitions back to native prairie as soon as
use allows. Water conservation considerations have dictated this type of design
throughout Aurora’s park and open space system. Regardless of the turf type, the
selection of trees and shrubs to be included in the “park” areas within the site should
avoid introduction of trees such as pink flowering crabapples, lilacs or other plant
materials with intense fall or spring coloration that would increase visual intrusion on
the adjacent native landscape. Use of evergreens should be minimized to those
areas where visual buffers are required. The plant palette will not vary dramatically
from that suggested for the building related landscapes above. Some park areas
may overlap former sludge placement areas, this will require placement of new soil
over the sludge prior to planting of turf grasses. The depth of new soil and type of soil
amendment that will maximize the success of the future turf needs to be determined.
3. Natural Areas
Natural areas within the park are divided into three categories allowing for transition
zones between these landscape types. In all cases, restoration of areas disturbed by
proposed construction that are intended to remain as a part of the “natural area”
will utilize seed and plant materials native to this ecosystem.



Riparian – the focus of the riparian systems within this project is to restore flows to
Senac Creek, and its tributary Haynes Gulch, above the ARWPF entry road.
Short/Mid Grass Prairie – restoration of areas with grasses, herbaceous and woody
species native to this ecosystem.
Restored Natural Ecosystems
1. Former Sludge Disposal Areas – In areas where sludge was historically placed,
the focus of the restoration effort will include adding fill over the sludge and
then seeding and mulching to restore the native short to mid grass prairie.
2. Areas disturbed by past construction and noxious weeds – Many of the areas
impacted by construction in the past have been seeded with exotic grass
species. Following a mapping exercise to determine where this has occurred
and species, management plans will be developed to maximize native species
and minimize exotic species. A similar process of mapping and development of
management plans is needed for areas with noxious weeds.
General Guidelines
 Promote water conservation and water quality management at every opportunity.
Water is the most important single resource in the system. Its presence or absence
underlies the potential for diversity in the landscape. Urban development creates an
imbalance in natural hydrologic systems and mitigating that imbalance is essential to
maintaining a natural, living system.

Demonstrate the potential for creating diversity and variety at the interface of the
natural environment and urban development.

Overlot Grading: Use the site’s natural contours and drainage as a model for a
conceptual approach to site planning and overlot grading. Place structure within the
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site and design transitions to existing grades to minimize disrupting a continuous visual
sweep from a distance. It should not catch the eye except by design. The master
grading plan for the Maintenance Facility meets this design criterion through the use
of walkout style buildings, landscape transition areas and other grading features. For
additional detail regarding the Site Grading Plan for the Southeast Aurora
Maintenance Facility, please see Appendix A.

One distinguishing characteristic of Prairie Style Architecture is the “melding of interior
and exterior space.” This is often accomplished using a plan that defines outdoor
space and mediates the relatively small scale of the building and the vast scale of
the plains. Landscape design in these outdoor spaces can be seen as an extension
of the architecture even to the point of basing layout dimensions on the structural
module of the building.
Buildings – Siting and Architecture
The architectural design of buildings within the Aurora Reservoir site must present a
unified appearance for the park users and surrounding neighbors. Existing and new
structures need to be perceived as following a master plan where the aesthetics of each
structure is carefully considered no matter how prosaic the use or how small the size. The
aesthetics shall be appropriate for their specific micro and macro climates.
The building siting and architecture on the Maintenance Facility site will meet these
standards, however, for additional detail as to the architecture on the Southeast Aurora
Maintenance Facility Site, please see Section 4.
“Prairie Style” best represents the building character chosen for the Aurora Reservoir
projects. Prairie Style has come to be associated with low horizontal structures with broad
overhanging hipped roofs and a melding of interior and exterior space. Horizontality is
expressed with continuous windows, low walls, and stepped roofs. More particularly the
buildings shall express the following:
Siting and Orienting Primary Buildings
 Buildings should be sited so that the character of existing land forms and site features
are enhanced; the relationships between buildings are strengthened; and site
drainage is facilitated.
General Guidelines:
1) In order to facilitate drainage away from foundations, locate buildings on higher
ground.
2) Use building forms that complement the natural landforms and minimize cut and
fill.
3) Use appropriate building scale. Buildings should not dominate their sites.
4) Locate buildings in a manner that preserves existing landforms. The site design
objective should be to fit each building into its site in a way that leaves natural
massing intact and preserves the most prominent site features.
5) Locate building entries so they are easily identifiable.
6) Provide secondary entrances that are easily accessible and convenient to
parking and delivery areas that serve buildings yet are not dominant.

Views to the site’s attractive natural surroundings, such as the Rocky Mountain
backdrop, as well as distinctive on-site features, including the reservoir, marina, park
areas, and extensive open space, are experiences to be shared by all. Maximizing
view opportunities of these features from roadways, open space corridors, building
entries, and interior spaces is encouraged.
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General Guidelines:
1) Create view corridors by aligning roads, driveways, open space corridors,
building entries, and pedestrian walkways to take advantage of available views.
2) In siting, orienting, and developing new buildings and facilities, protect and
enhance existing views and provide view corridors. This protection and
enhancement of views is a priority. Three general perspectives are critical to this
consideration:
 Views to the site from other areas.
 Views to other areas from the site.
 Views through the site from key locations within the park.
3) In orienting buildings for views, give full consideration to each building’s
relationship to other nearby buildings:

Buildings must recognize the City’s zoning requirements as well as the dictates
of the natural environment.
General Guidelines:
1) All structures shall follow the Aurora E-470 Zone District Plan Article 9 Chapter 146
of the Aurora Municipal Code.
2) All buildings shall make an effort to be compatible to the open space landscape
setting.
3) All structures shall take their cue from the climate by considering the following
elements:
 Intense sunlight.
 Arid Climate.
 High Winds.
 Dramatic freeze-thaw cycles.
4) All structures to acknowledge:
 Placement in wide open spaces without enclosure.
 Long Vistas.
5) All structures shall present a unified image:
 Establish palette, proportions, and massing for all of the buildings at the Park
based on the ARWPF.
 Establish the palette for large scale buildings with modifications for smaller
structures.
 Utilize site elements: landscaping, walls, paths, furniture, etc. to tie all structures
together.
Building Massing and Scale
General Guidelines for all structures, other than those on the Maintenance Facility site
(for Guidelines on structures located on the Maintenance Facility site, refer to Section 6):
1) Provide low profile horizontally layered buildings.
2) Use verticals as minor accents only.
3) Articulate horizontally with identifiable base middle and top.
4) Articulate entries:
 Step or break mass of building more than 200’ long giving appearance of
multiple building forms.
 Further reduce mass with either overhangs, recesses, porches, or colonnades
 On large structures provide distinctive pavilion like end pieces.
 Soften massing by bringing landscape forms and materials up to the buildings.
5) Rooftops and Roof Forms:
 Strong horizontal lines with low or flat pitch are encouraged.
 Step roof forms down over long expanses following the contours.
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


6)
7)
8)
9)
Emphasize the horizontal with modest overhangs.
Utilize fine textured or smooth materials.
Provide as pure of roof form as possible by limiting roof appurtenances, place
units over 2 feet in any direction within an enclosure.
 Utilize light to medium earth toned colors. Light or highly reflective materials
shall not be allowed.
Base/Walls/Windows:
 Provide base rooted to ground in darkest color.
 Emphasize base of wall with either change in thickness or material or window
banding.
 Use durable more massive materials: concrete, stone, masonry, at base.
 Use lighter metal and glass or striated concrete at top in lightest color.
 Use clerestories over large roofed areas.
 Middle section should combine colors and materials of top and bottom to
break up mass.
 Modulate and layer façade to establish rhythms and sub-rhythms.
 Use darker earth tones for large expanses of walls.
 Use low-e glazing.
Building Materials and Colors:
 Use durable materials such as, colored concrete, masonry, or stone.
 Predominant materials shall be textured.
 Use naturally colored metal in copper or brown hues.
 For smaller facilities use wood siding or cement board siding in variegated
earth tone colors.
 Use the colors found in the landscape.
 Striate color on building walls with darker tones at bottom and lighter tone at
top of walls.
 Incorporate accent colors sparingly using brighter versions of the earth tones
such as orange, sienna, green etc.
Building Entrances:
 Pronounce entrances with horizontal overhangs or porches.
Service entrances, trash and loading areas shall be screened from the public with
walls and fencing of similar materials used on the adjacent building. Trash
enclosures shall follow the Aurora E-470 Zone District Plan Article 9 Chapter 146 of
the Aurora Municipal Code. The visual impacts of service delivery, trash, and
outdoor equipment or storage areas should be minimized, particularly relative to
views from public roadways and along view corridors. Thoughtful placement and
design of screening for these facilities is a priority for all sites.
General Guidelines:
 Locate loading docks, trash containers, and service areas out of view from
adjacent roads, properties, pedestrian pathways, and open space corridors.
 Locate parking areas for outdoor equipment, trucks, service vehicles, etc.
away from public parking lots and major pedestrian circulation routes. Unless
totally out of view, screen these areas architecturally and with landscaping.
 Clearly identify all service entrances to discourage the use of main entrances
for deliveries. Whenever necessary to protect views, screen service entrances
with walls and landscaping.
 Avoid placing service areas where they will impact view corridors.
 Where practical, outdoor storage of equipment or materials must be
screened from public views from adjacent buildings, roadways, and
pedestrian trails.
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Special Architectural Design Guidelines for Selected Buildings and Sites
For additional detail regarding the Special Architectural Design Guidelines for the
Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility Site, please see Section 4.
Special Guidelines for Gatehouse/Entry Station:
1) The gatehouse, as the first impression, needs to reinforce the suitability and quality
of the Aurora Reservoir buildings.
2) The gatehouse also acts as a separation of the reservoir from outside
development. Therefore the forms and materials of the other reservoir structures
need to be emphasized at the entry point. All views from the road thru the entry
station should be controlled.
3) With limited spatial requirements additional elements such as walls and canopies
are necessary to make an appropriate impact.
4) Incorporate signage into the structures.
5) Building height is 20 feet.
6) 5 parking spaces are needed at the entry station for staff and for park users to
purchase passes when the entry station is closed.
Special Guidelines for BWPF and Parks Maintenance Building:
1) The buildings of the BWPF are the largest structures at the Aurora Reservoir site.
Overall the buildings provide a strong and visually pleasing form but remain in the
background.
2) Buildings are a part of the topography adjacent to but not on the drainage ways.
The buildings were arranged along a line following and between existing
drainage ways.
3) Structures are at or below grade whenever practical. The larger buildings
articulate into distinct parts to breakup the mass.
4) Building facades were textured and layered to avoid a monolithic appearance.
5) Color and texture of the building roofs to blend in with the landscape as much as
possible.
6) The maximum building height for the multiple buildings included at the
purification facility is 80 feet.
7) 70 parking spaces are required for Phase 1.
8) Height of the parks maintenance building is estimated at no more than 40 feet.
9) Height of the Southeast Aurora Maintenance Facility buildings will be no more
than 40 feet.
10) 20 parking spaces are needed at the parks maintenance building.
Special Guidelines for the Gateway Property Development:
1) Vehicular access to facilities on this site will be from South Robertsdale Way.
2) The development on this property may be comprised of several buildings,
designed to be compliant with the Building Siting and Architecture criteria of this
Master Plan.
3) Parking should be integrated into the surrounding landscape and depressed or
blended into the grade as much as practical.
4) Maximum building height for buildings on this site is 48 feet.
5) A maximum of 80 at grade parking spaces are required for this property.
Additional below grade parking is not limited.
6) Entire buildings or portions of buildings will be secure and off-limits to public
access.
Special Guidelines for Marina Buildings and Structures and Overlook Shelter Complex:
1) The current structures require alterations to match with the new facilities. Like
colors for all structures within the Aurora Reservoir site will be a strong unifying
23
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
factor. Use the new palette of colors for both wall and roof colors. See Figure 14
for conceptual architectural modifications.
Use variegated colors for the walls to emphasize the use of natural materials.
Tie the structures to the landforms adding to the limited stone bases that currently
exist. Extend these walls into the landscape where possible.
The existing wood rails are currently a strong focal point but no longer support the
architectural character. Replace the rails with stained wood or metal. Enhance
the stone base at the columns.
The existing watchtower is the predominant form on the site. The tower can be
layered with vertical and horizontal siding.
The end gable trusses with their heavy metal connectors call undue attention to
themselves. Color all trusses and plates to match or slightly accent the roof or
walls.
Providing extensive roof overhangs are not perceived as practical however small
overhangs and canopies should be added at unsheltered entrances.
The overall height of the marina building and related structures will remain
unchanged.
Parking lots in the marina area will not be enlarged.
Special Guidelines for Pump Stations:
1) The existing pump stations became a part of the landscape as much as possible.
2) The impact of the placement of some stations (due to hydraulic requirements)
were mitigated. Grade up around the buildings was conducted where possible.
3) Followed the general guidelines for building colors. Accent colors were kept
muted.
4) Small, flat roofed buildings should receive a hipped roof to create a horizontal
shadow line. Where a new roof was impractical, overhangs at doors, were
added to tie in with other structures.
5) Vertically oriented colored accents were used.
6) Enclosed all exterior storage with walls or covered structure.
7) Height of the pump stations, do not exceed 30 feet.
8) One parking space and adequate hard surface for maintenance equipment are
needed adjacent to each pump station.
Access and Circulation
The circulation concept includes a hierarchy of internal roads for vehicles and trails for
pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. The internal roadway system consists of a
perimeter arterial roadways on the west and north sides of the site. The trail system
connects to regional and community trail systems at the northeast corner of Section 4,
the west side of the community park/Section 17, and the southern edge of the reservoir
into the residential areas. The trail that enters at Senac Cove is a regional connection to
developments south of Smoky Hill Road and Cherokee Trail high school at Powhaton
Road and East Arapahoe Road.
The internal roadways have been designed to reduce vehicular congestion and conflicts
and to the maximum extent possible, separate BWPF traffic from park traffic.
General Guidelines:
1)
Roadway design should incorporate safety, good appearance, control of
pollutants, and economy in maintenance and construction.
2)
To the extent possible, internal roadways shall be designed to fit the natural
topographic contours in order to minimize cut and fill and preserve natural
drainage patterns.
24
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Maintain the rural character of all roadways in terms of materials, drainage
channels and side slopes and alignment.
Materials:
 Use the lowest-type paving allowable in any given design situation.
 The pavement structure should adequately support the expected traffic loads,
keeping non-routine maintenance and traffic interruptions to a minimum.
Drainage Channels and Sideslopes:
 Curb and gutter shall be discouraged except where needed to limit access,
direct traffic, or to collect and direct drainage where graded channels won’t
work.
 Roadside drainage channels can perform the function of collecting and
conveying surface water from the highway right-of-way.
 Drainage channels must have adequate capacity for the design runoff but
should not be used where grades are too steep to maintain a stable channel.
Entries to Building Sites from Interior Roadways:
 Reasonable efforts should be made to share entry drives to building sites.
 Provide a clear separation of vehicular traffic between drop-off zones and
access to parking lots or parking structures.
Emergency and Maintenance Access must be convenient and appropriate routes
should be easily discernible and, when appropriate, clearly marked.
Over time and as development continues to surround the reservoir, more and more
visitors to the reservoir will arrive by foot or bicycle. A comprehensive pedestrian and
bicycle system is an integral component of the park master plan and is reflected in the
overall Master Plan illustration Figure 1.
 Provide pedestrian/bicyclist connections to adjacent developing residential
neighborhoods to minimize vehicular use.
 Provide access to all activity areas and entry points.
Parking Lots and Boat Storage
Surface Lots
Parking areas should be designed and located so they provide safe and efficient
vehicular and pedestrian circulation within a site, while also minimizing any negative
visual impacts on views from adjacent roadways. Large expanses of pavement should
be avoided, and on-street parking is prohibited throughout the park.
General Guidelines:
Minimize negative visual impacts of parked cars with landscape design elements.
Specific considerations include the following:
1)
Screen parking areas viewed from public ways or in designated view corridors with
berms and other landscaping.
2)
Divide large parking lot areas, using planted buffers to minimize the perceived
scale of the total parking field.
3)
Where terraced parking areas are required to accommodate sloping site
conditions, provide landscaped medians between levels.
4)
Use paving designs that maximize infiltration of stormwater into suitable soils.
5)
Use French drain systems to as great an extent as possible.
6)
To promote infiltration and reduce erosion, disperse drainage from parking areas.
Boat Storage
A six acre site may be developed for boat storage, adjacent to a potential parks
maintenance building northwest. The drive lanes and parking “spaces” shall be designed
25
to allow ease of movement within the site. The boat storage area shall be screened from
view of park visitors.
Stormwater Management Systems
Stormwater management within the larger Senac basin is described earlier in this master
plan. The intent of the stormwater management system as it is related to specific building
sites is to minimize run off by minimizing impervious surfaces, move the water that does
run off from impervious surfaces into the landscape and finally to direct the runoff that is
collected to restore and reinvigorate the riparian systems along Senac Creek.
General Guidelines:
1)
Place stormwater in contact with the landscape: Minimize directly connected
impervious areas and reduce pipe or channel connections.
2)
Use the whole site: Construct a series of small-scale Infiltration BMPs in relation to
small sub-basins and/or redistribute storm concentrations with level spreaders.
3)
Separate Water Quality detention volumes from storm volumes.
4)
Configure storage areas in a way that can accommodate a continuous transition
from wetland to riparian to shortgrass prairie landscape types.
5)
Stormwater from offsite, parking and off of the roof is directed to sustain landscape
improvements that support access/entrance sequences to the building.
6)
Stormwater from parking is directed to a series of BMPs including sediment removal,
grass lined swales and infiltration basins. The landscape along the bank and swale
are coordinated with site grading to screen the parking along the approach drive.
7)
Where channel stabilization is required, select materials consistent with native
materials. Boulder drop structures are not permitted. Consider Soil Cement or
Concrete. Both can be similar to native stone in texture and color and their overall
visual impact can be minimal.
Site Lighting
An often over looked value of open space on the plains is access to the nighttime sky.
Lighting design should reflect a balance between lighting needs and contextual
ambient light minimizing glare and light trespass, promoting energy conservation and
maintaining dark, night-time skies. Use of this site will be concentrated during daylight
hours. With the exception of the Maintenance Facility site and for a minimal number of
employees and Park and Open Space Ranger patrols, use after dark is not expected. For
this reason, evening lighting requirements will in most cases be only those dictated by
security and safety. Site lighting guidelines for the Maintenance Facility site are located in
Section 4.
General Guidelines:
1)
Switch off lights when not required for safety, security or enhancement of the
nighttime scene. Set curfews and utilize pre-curfew and post-curfew lighting
designs with automatic control systems to reduce or eliminate excessive light during
non-active hours of building/facility operation.
2)
Use lighting equipment and specify heights for installation that minimizes spread of
light near to or above the horizontal.
3)
Use full cut-off fixtures.
4)
Direct light downward whenever possible. If there is no alternative to uplighting, use
shielding or baffling to control glare and light trespass.
5)
Maintain a main beam angle directed at an observer at less than 70 degrees. The
higher the mounting height the lower the angle.
6)
Use floodlights with asymmetrical beams that permit the front glazing to be kept
parallel to the surface being lit.
7)
Architectural Lighting:
26


Architectural lighting shall only be utilized to highlight special features.
Lighting of expansive wall planes, towers and roofs or the use of lighting
that results in “hot spots” should be avoided.
Provide photometrics plans for each building.
Signing and Graphics Guidelines
The Aurora Reservoir site will ultimately accommodate a multitude of activities and
facilities. The combination of water infrastructure, maintenance, and park and open
space uses, accessed from similar points, creates the need for a signage and directional
system that points the park user to the park and open space facilities and away from the
maintenance and drinking water facilities. Similarly, personnel accessing the park for the
business of operating the Aurora Water or City Maintenance facilities must be able to
find their way through the site in an efficient way. A comprehensive system for
wayfinding that addresses both vehicular and pedestrian/bicycle circulation is needed.
The signs within the park will present a unified appearance for all, relating to the
architectural guidelines for the various buildings. Please refer to Figure 15 for a signage
plan.
General Guidelines:
1) The signage system shall include a hierarchy of signs to include:
Primary Vehicular Entry
Sign – Monument
Secondary Vehicular
Entry Sign
Primary Directory Sign
Secondary Directory
Sign – Map
Primary Vehicular Sign
Secondary Vehicular
Sign
Located at entry to park, south of Quincy Ave. and at
entry from Harvest Mile Road
Located at secondary entries to park, at ARWPF entry,
smaller version of Primary Entry Sign
Located at Entry Station and at Harvest Mile Road entry
Located at all trail entries and all parking areas
Located at interior road intersections
Smaller version of the primary sign, located at entries to
building parking lots or directions within groupings of
buildings
Primary Information
Located where trails leave parking areas, where user
Sign
needs more information than can be addressed with a
facility name and arrow, contains text information
Secondary Information
Pedestrian level sign with name of facility and arrow and
Sign
format for roadway signs
Interpretive Sign
Presentation of educational or informational material
about the site or the resource
See conceptual signage designs – Figures 16 and 17.
2) The signage shall be an extension of the building forms, materials and colors.
3) Similar to the buildings the major signage shall articulate a base, middle and top with
the primary signage having a strong base matching the building bases. Detailing
shall take cues from the building details.
4) The graphics for the signage shall be consistent throughout the site for parks and
open space, maintenance, and water facilities but will use different sign face colors
to differentiate the use type.
5) Sign faces shall be of a material that will accommodate graphic such as maps or
pictures.
PLAN ADOPTION
Adopted in August 2005, this master plan has served and will continue to serve as the
guiding document for the development of facilities, roadways and structures as listed. As
27
a master plan for a regional park, the final adoption of the plan was by the City Council.
Detailed site plans and construction documents will be reviewed and approved
administratively as long as they are consistent with this plan. The plan must be amended
for new facilities or for listed facilities where the final site plans propose changes that
deviate from this adopted plan. Minor changes are approved administratively through
the Parks and Open Space Department. Significant changes must be approved by City
Council.
28
Aurora South East
Maintenance Facility
88.07 acres
LEGEND
Existing Roads
Proposed Roads
Existing Ped/Bike Trails
Proposed Ped/Bike Trails
Existing Facilities
Proposed Facilities
Aurora South East
88.07 acres
A
D
B
C
Aurora South East
88.07 acres
LEGEND
Building Related Landscape Areas
Primary & Secondary Park Activity
and ARWPF Zones
Natural Areas
Short/Mid Grass Prairie Zone
Riparian Zone
Restorative Short/Mid Grass Prairie Zone
Developed Park/Open Space Areas
Proposed Community Park and Athletic Field Complex
Basin140, 143 Ac.
al C
Co
32
31
34
33
35
ree
k
Basin130, 56 Ac.
Basin120, 303 Ac.
2
3
4
5
6
Basin80, 425 Ac.
Basin110, 281 Ac.
Basin90, 534 Ac.
Basin100, 280 Ac.
Basin53, 228 Ac.
9
8
7
10
11
15
14
22
23
Bypass Exten
sion
Basin55, 520 Ac.
Basin40, 910 Ac.
Storm Sewer
Basin57, 456 Ac.
17
18
Basin59, 225 Ac.
Basin170, 70 Ac.
20
hy
Murp
Sa
m
21
Basin30, 391 Ac.
Basin150, 181 Ac.
Storm
Basin20, 896 Ac.
29
30
Storm Sewer Bypass
Basin160, 167 Ac.
k
Cree
Basin60, 103 Ac.
16
Se w
Senac Creek
19
Aurora
Reservoir
er By
pass
Basin10, 419 Ac.
28
Basin70, 315 Ac.
27
Legend
26
Existing Storm Drainage Systems
Flow Arrows
ps
o
n
31
Drainage Basins
Gu
l
Reservoir Perimeter
ch
Streams
32
33
34
Sections
35
5 Foot Contours (City GIS)
Master Plan Area
Aurora South East
88.07 acres
LEGEND
Primary Vehicular Entry
Secondary Vehicular Entry
Primary Directory
Secondary Directory/Map
Primary Vehicular
Secondary Vehicular
Primary Information
Secondary Information

The Aurora Reservoir

Transcription

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